Welcome to my new home! We are finally here in our new hometown. We bought a brand new house. Yes, me, the one who LOVES old charming houses bought a NEW house! Well, actually, we haven’t bought it yet. We intend to as soon as our house in Portland sells. For now, we are on the “rent to own” plan.
We decided on a new home because we didn’t want to spend our first few years here cleaning up 75 years worth of other people’s dust and grime, stripping six layers of wallpaper or replacing non-working harvest gold grease filled appliances. We have spent 22 years doing that in several different houses and just decided that this time we were going to give ourselves a break to do other things! And when we found a reasonably charming NEW house, we knew we had found our home.
I seriously might need some sort of counseling to get me through the fact that I didn’t have to scrub down walls and disinfect or anything before we let our kids move in. It feels so, well, wrong. But, I think it will be the right thing for us in this season of life. It fits with all of my goals for the year — I wanted to make a house choice that supported the life I wanted. I’ll share how this home fits into those goals in future posts.
Our move up here was the craziest ever. We woke up to snow (again) in Portland on Friday, our moving day, and all the way up into Washington we watched cars spin out on ice in front of us, landing in ditches. We saw cars turned over on their roofs and accidents every mile. It was SO scary! We couldn’t decide if we should turn around or keep going in hopes of better weather ahead. Even though we had no four wheel drive, no snow tires and no chains, we made it safely.
Unfortunately for us, our moving van turned around (just before the roads cleared up) and went back to Portland! So we have no beds. No chairs. No pans. None of our stuff. And the craziest part is they were going to reschedule the delivery for Monday but now as of Sunday night we have over four inches of new snow on the ground. It might be a long week of sleeping on the floor! And a long week with no washer or dryer for the few clothes we brought with us!
I’ll be getting back to my regular blogging schedule this week with new posts for 2009 (blogging from a bean bag chair on the floor), our Beautiful Life Mr. Linky each Friday to keep us focused on our goals for the year, and of course, I will give you all a house tour. My head is still pondering how to make our new house feel like home!
Thanks for checking on me and all of the support through my move! You are the best! I’m very excited about my new life here and just knowing you all are out there makes me feel like my friends are all next door, even though I hardly know anyone in town.
Yeah! Melissa, what a beautiful house. I can’t wait to see how you make it your home!!!
Blessings~
It looks beautiful Melissa! Now you can show us all the ways you will add old fashioned charm and hominess to your blank slate. Starting over sounds like such fun. You really do have a fresh start this New Year:>) God bless you in this new adventure and your New Year!
Kathys inspiring blog post..A sweet update…
Despite all the challenges you’ve already faced (still praying), that is one very charming home, Melissa! It’s so darling that I’m praying that sleeping on the floor will seem like a vacation. ;>
Looking forward to the next installment in the Washington story.
Vees inspiring blog post..Wax Paper Tip
Melissa, your new home is gorgeous and I know just by you and your family being in it, you will make it even moreso. I think it’s wonderful you found a place you can just move into! I can’t wait to do the same someday! Best of luck to you on this new journey. It looks like you’re off to a great start!
Emily@remodelingthislifes inspiring blog post..Photo Tiles
Your new house looks lovely (from the outside). I can’t wait to see photos of the interior! Good luck moving in and getting your stuff. We drove through blizzard-like conditions right before Christmas- it was no fun. We also saw many, many over-turned vehicles too (mostly suvs and trucks!). Scary stuff!
Astrids inspiring blog post..Monster in our pot
What a beautiful home! I look forward this year seeing seeing how you make it yours.
First, I am glad you made it safely. That would have been very scary!
Secondly, the house is so cute! I think it must be strangely wonderful to not have all of those usual chores to accomplish…but you will be so busy with the new church that you have shown much wisdom….
Hope your things arrive soon!
Becky K.s inspiring blog post..An Honor…and a Kindred Spirit
What a lovely house, Melissa!!! I can’t wait to see the inside, too!
We’ll continue to pray, til your Moving Van makes it to your place with everything!! You’ll continue to remain on our Prayer List, too!
~Blessings, Sweetie…
Jan
Jans inspiring blog post..Our Friday and Saturday Get-Away…
Melissa,
It’s beautiful! I’m so glad you got there safely. Hope your things get there soon too! See you soon at BlissDom, I’d love to get to meet you. You are one of the sweetest gals I’ve “met” in blogdom. Have a blessed day!
Ah, Melissa, It is gorgeous!! Oh but you seem to be in a real moving adventure. I sure hope the moving van comes soon.
Rosie’s Whimsys inspiring blog post..A New Toy
I cannot wait to see more. As someone who was considering buying a 75+ year old home.. I am starting to hesitate!
Terri Steffess inspiring blog post..Eagle Watching
It’s beautiful! I love it. Can’t wait to see what you do on the inside. I’m sure it will be lovely. I hope you can get your things soon and we’ll be keeping you in our thoughts and prayers as you continue your move in crazy, snowy weather!
Kristens inspiring blog post..I’m A Proud Wife
You house looks beautiful. Has a lot of character to it.
Kaseys inspiring blog post..Need a Laugh?
Hi Melissa,
Your new home is fabulous! I know what you mean about not wanting to clean 75 years of someone else’s dirt! My home is 80 years old and having spent 5 years of cleaning up previous owner terrible DIY and decorating I’m determined to have a newish home next time
I hope your furniture turns up soon and that it’s not causing too much inconvience. Enjoy your new home and I look forward to seeing photos of the inside of that gorgeous house!
Blessings
Liz
Liz@VioletPosys inspiring blog post..Vegetable Gardening the Easy Way
Glad you made it safely “home”!
We built new over 20 years ago & I am SO glad we did. Every single memory in this house is ours. I know that sounds kind of funny, but it makes our home very, very special.
You’ll love it! Especially the “no stripping wallpaper” part.
Here’s hoping your stuff makes it there soon so you can settle in.
Jinxs inspiring blog post..Twinkle, twinkle, little light…
Such a gorgeous house, I wish…My house needs lots of money spent on it…..I should of stuck to my guns and bought a new house, but no I listened to my husband…who doesn’t live here half the time..I would like to get a sledgehammer, and knock mine down…
Old…new… either way, decorating is fun! You will have a blast just being able to play and not work in this home. Hope you guys are not sleeping on the floor for too long! The house looks really cool from this picture. I love a rustic home, it’s my favorite! Many blessings in the new year (and the new home).
~Misti
Misti @ Studio M Designss inspiring blog post..Step Inside my Kitchen: My favorite place in the house
I love the outside!! Don’t worry, your new house will feel like a home. We’ve bought new both times…the good thing is that everything about it is yours!!
Staceys inspiring blog post..A Welcomed Day Outside
Congratulations and best wishes on a beautiful New Year in your charming New, new home!!!
Wow! What a gogeous new home it is! Consider this little glitch in the beginning like a camping adventure! How fun fo you!
And…must say i am impressed with how quickly you were able to get blogging again!
Linda@Lime in the Coconuts inspiring blog post..Barn dreams…..
Yea – you’re in ( you – literally…maybe not the rest of your stuff
!
It has so much cozy warmth and charm! Can’t wait to see inside – with or without any decorating. Take us on a tour even before your things are in. We’d love that.
jen@Balancing Beauty and Bedlams inspiring blog post..A Sunday Moment
You made it! Now lets pray for clear roads so your furniture can get there! {I had to go one night without my blow dryer and I thought I had it bad :}- hang in there} I like your new home- love all the greenery around, the pitch of the different roof lines- and the tall trees in the back- wow-
It will be fun to see what you do with your new home.
Hugs
Congratulations, Melissa!!! The house is absolutely beautiful. Really. We bought a new house for the same reasons; I’m not into stripping wallpaper. AT ALL. Blessings to you in this new year and new home, and I hope you get furniture really soon!
My First Kitchens inspiring blog post..Ten-Minute Chickpea Salad
I love your new house & I hope that your furniture makes it soon! You will have so much fun making this new place a home. Best of luck!
Michelles inspiring blog post..Goals for 2009
Dear Melissa – Your new home is wonderful. It’s so Pacific Northwest! Just right for Washington. Being a PNW girl myself – born in Washington – there’s something special about the new homes that are built to ‘go’ with the area. Your decision to buy a new home was the best one. As you begin the new church and get involved in your new community you will be busy – much too busy to do the ‘dirty work’ of redoing an older home. Good choice!
Can’t wait to see what you do with your home. I know it will be just right. In the meantime I’m thinking your view from the floor – until the furniture arrives – will give you a new perspective of just where every piece should go when they carry it through the door!
Blessings and hugs to you,
~Adrienne~
Adriennes inspiring blog post..On Eagles Wings
Hi, Melissa, glad you made it safe & sound, but oh no on the moving van! At least you are warm & dry, so you can make it til they arrive. We actually slept on the floor at our house for a few days when we first moved to B’ham. My aching back! That didn’t last too long, we hit Target for a blow-up bed & it was actually pretty comfortable until we got a real bed.
Blessings in your new house!
Rhodas inspiring blog post..An Organized Life
I am glad you made it safe and sound to your beautiful new home.
Oh My…..Oh My….it is so beautiful! All the best settling in! Can’t wait for more pics!
Denises inspiring blog post..Make your home engergy efficient….it’s not too late!
It’s gorgeous! The property looks beautiful too.
Hollys inspiring blog post..Souper Saturday–Taco Soup
It is a big house and a very beautiful house. I beat it looks fantastic from inside and the view… oh I can’t wait for the photos.
I am sorry that your things didn’t arrive but otherwise it wouldn’t be so interesting LOL.
I am so happy for you, what a great start of the year with a fulfilled dream.
Suzy
Suzys inspiring blog post..Sunday breakfast
Melissa, so good to hear that you made it safely, despite the snow. Yep, we’ve had crazy weather here in Portland. We had more snow last night, but it’s now gone. Your new home is beautiful! I hope your Portland home sells quickly in this market. I can’t wait to see the house tour!
Good luck in your new home, and sorry to hear about the crazyness, that reminds me when we moved to vegas from Germany, all our stuff went to New Mexico where we were going to go but orders got change and I guess they forget to change the shipment, so our stuff was lost for 3 months, we had no bed, nothing and we had a new baby, life was good, those were the good old days. Hope you get your stuff soon, we are getting snow today, what is up with all this snow. Have fun with your new home.
Enjoy this new season of your life.
Hope@Monkey Giggless inspiring blog post..Long Foggy Path
Oh Melissa, it is beautiful!! I hope you get your things soon!! Hang in there, praying for you guys! I am so glad I met you!
Hugs,
LeAnn:)
LeAnns inspiring blog post..There’s a few little things left to do BUT…
What a beautiful house! And it has all the charm and appearance of an older home with none of the work. I can relate to that. All the best in 2009 in your new home and hometown!
Mavens inspiring blog post..The Day in Photos…Home Renovations and A Second Wave of Neighbours In My Business
Welcome to WA, you will love living here. Beautiful new home. Clarice
clarices inspiring blog post..Organized Chaos
Beautiful home. I’m in Washington too. (Snohomish County) I bought a brand new home seven years ago and I tell you, being the first to put anything in the cupboards, use the shower, and so forth, really makes a difference in how I feel about the home.
And.. at least you have internet, right? What’s a few nights without pots and pans when you are stranded in inches of snow. (Kidding!)
Congratulations on your move.
Claire (Little Miss Sew N Sew)s inspiring blog post..Run, don’t walk.
Congratulations! The new home looks amazing and I think going with a new home was a smart idea.
Jens inspiring blog post..Update on Baby C
Congratulations on the new home! It looks amazing and so “you”!!
Aimees inspiring blog post..Well…
Melissa, I have been stopping by for about 2 months now. I’m so excited to be part of your new move. Your house looks lovely, and I’m so glad your drive went well! God bless you all and sleeping on the floor together can be part of the kids adventure!
I so enjoy your site….Lisa
vintagesweetpeas.blogspot.com
lisas inspiring blog post..WE WISH YOU A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Melissa, so relieved you all made it safe and sound to your new home!
)
I know you will make your new place just as spectacular as the last and look forward to sharing in the journey! Hope the rest of your belongings arrive soon!!! although indoor camping can be fun short term
xo
julia
Julias inspiring blog post..Heading into the sunset…
Moving! Yup….I’ve done it a million times too. You’ll do great. For now, enjoy the empty house with the kids, do things you can’t do in a furnished home. There are a lot of games to be played in that empty house.
Thank you for fininding time to blog from your bean bag. I’ve moved into 2 brand new homes and am still trying to figure out how to give it character without the years. I look forward to learning from you and sharing anything I’ve learned.
TIP: Paint. Cheap….and the colors can reflect you. It helps until you can make a brand new house feel like home.
Saras inspiring blog post..Merry Christmas
What a beautiful home… have fun making it your own. I love that about moving! Congrats…
Jills inspiring blog post..Blog Interviews: Jackie from Sweetie Pie Pumpkin Noodle
Oh my goodness, Melissa! It’s beautiful! Can not wait to see what’s inside once you’re set up!
Happy, happy New Year!
xo
It’s so pretty!!! congrats. And I am sorry about the snow. We’d share the nice weather with you if we could. Good luck!
Amys inspiring blog post..Color Scheme
I am very excited to tour your new home – it has lots of character from the outside.
We’re building and should move in soon – within the month I hope. I am so excited to paint I can hardly stand it!
Melissas inspiring blog post..2009 Blog Awards
I love the outside. I love the Pacific Northwest style homes. I know all about your crazy weather. All my family is in Washington too, so I am hearing all about the snow.. i miss Washington. can’t wait to see all you do.
LuLu
LuLus inspiring blog post..Stay-cation Is Over
Absolutely gorgeous home!! Cannot wait to see the tour inside. No question you will make it incredibly charming.
I love the style of this home and the touch of shingles. There is no shingle style here in the midwest. This home will be a clean pallette for your talents. I’m excited to see what’s on the inside. Just think of it as a camping adventure until your belongings arrive. Your description of the drive up to Washington sounds like what would happen when it would snow when I lived in Texas. I stayed home because people who are not accustomed to driving in that weather do some wierd things. In Texas it was like a demolition derby. I swear they would SPEED UP instead of slow down.
- Suzanne, the Farmer’s Wife
Suzanne, the Farmer’s Wifes inspiring blog post..Monday Morning Staff Meeting
Whoo hoo!! (Happy for you back flip) What a fantastic thing to walk into a house and see that the corners of the baseboards have no dirt in them. What would THAT be like? I dream of new houses…
You’re looks lovely and I will be back to check out the home tour!
Good luck getting out of that bean bag!
Happy housewarming,
Loves,
Pretty Organizer
Pretty Organizers inspiring blog post..Are you TOO Organized?